Venezia Designs
Richard Brown had spent many years working in the Cruise industry so when he returned to the UK, he and his business partner Jay had a vision to become owners of a unique and exquisite shop that would provide customers with the feeling of escaping to a far away place!
Venezia Designs on East Laith Gate is a beautiful shop which supplies stunning Couture Fashion Jewellery and accessories and is the only shop of its kind in the area. The store stocks well known brands such as Chopard Sunglasses, made in Italy from 23 carat gold plate with the highest grade of Swarovski Crystal and fresh water pearls. You can even enjoy a glass of chilled champagne while you try them on.
With the wedding and cruise season upon us and Ladies Day soon looming, why not complete your races day outfit or enhance your wedding attire with their exclusive hats and fascinators by Jane Hemmings. And arriving soon is the amazing range of jewellery that Amanda Holden wore on X-Factor, exclusive to Venezia Designs.
Venezia Designs welcome their customers from near and far, most returning time after time to soak up the lavish treatment and customer service they provide.
Success Doncaster has been on hand to offer support with starting their new business through attending a business start up course and providing ongoing business advice as the business has progressed.
We asked Richard a few questions about being in business:
Who / what was your inspiration for starting in business?
Our inspiration came from travelling Europe and spotting a gap in the UK market for Couture Fashion, jewellery and accessories. Having travelled the world and living abroad for many years, we wanted to bring something different to the High Street. Our aim was to bring old fashioned customer service back but with a European feel - every item bought is packaged like a gift. Chilled champagne and filter coffee is offered to our customers whilst we spend time and interest getting to know our clients.
What has been the biggest challenge for you?
The biggest challenge has been to make shoppers in Doncaster aware of where we are with only a very small advertising budget. We have used the internet and facebook and also held champagne evenings and are working with other new businesses in the town to help spread the word.
What do you like most about being your own boss?
The feeling that you have created a concept which customers can enjoy and aspire to, as well as a sense of freedom, although we are working longer hours than ever! As a business partnership we also enjoy being able to steer our own dreams and aspirations.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start their own business?
Make sure that you have true direction and focus on what you want to build and create, to the point where no one could sway you. Have belief in your business concept and make sure that you are proud to be connected and known as the owner. Do your homework and ensure you get information from people you admire and aspire to in business. Friends and family have emotional connections that may hinder yours and their views.
Future plans, where do you see yourself and your business this time next year?
We want to be showcasing new designers in the store that have been discovered overseas and promote them to other businesses in the UK. To continue to think out of the box and never follow the norm and I would like to think that this time next year, our customer base will have increased. We don't want to become mainstream with our concept, so finding the more unusual items or being “the first to have” is very important to us. We would also like to stock more unusual accessories for men and even have a bespoke shoe collection for women!
Venezia Designs aim to have the best before London does!
Help is Available!
To see what help Success Doncaster can give you please visit the Help Available area of this website using the link below:
